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Trepidity

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Trapped in a house on Halloween with nowhere to run or hide, five friends must make it until midnight against a demon that roams the earth for souls for its master. Their trust in each other is tested when death could be inside anyone of them. As time ticks away towards midnight, who will survive and who will be dragged into hell.

26 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2018

7 people are currently reading
18 people want to read

About the author

S.J. Hermann

20 books57 followers
S.J. Hermann is a writer of paranormal, science fiction, horror, and urban fantasy novels. He has the same taste in movies, television shows and books. He currently resides in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois,

Hermann is an avid rollercoaster fan who has ridden over forty different coasters throughout his life. If there is a hockey game on television, you can bet that he will be watching, especially his favorite team the Chicago Blackhawks.

He is a Walking Dead fan and will read or watch anything about zombies. Max Brooks and Stephen King are his authors of choice.

Follow SJ on BookBub for latest new releases.
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5 stars
17 (54%)
4 stars
7 (22%)
3 stars
5 (16%)
2 stars
2 (6%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Peter.
4,071 reviews799 followers
January 7, 2019
After the short prologue I expected a classic 80s like slasher story. Well, maybe it was but the characters (young people) and their actions (looking for the killer) didn't impress me too much. To me the story didn't kickstart my passion. It was okay but nothing extraordinary. There are better Halloween stories like that.
Profile Image for Kristina Gallo.
Author 33 books134 followers
November 13, 2018
I am a fan of horror stories. I love psychological moments when I start to fear and then I feel goosebumps because that is the adrenalin. In this story, everything is ready for a good old legend. Satan will possess bodies and feed himself until midnight come. But, who is his host? Friends, teenagers started to guess this important fact, for the sake of their lives. The scene where one of the characters (I will not say who, not to spoil the impression of other readers) make a castration to his friend is terrified. It was a bit too much for indeed a great story. The point of horror is to make a shock, and here, it is managed very well.
Profile Image for Bridgett Brown.
830 reviews48 followers
January 5, 2019
Short horror story

Super short old school horror story. Friends gather on Halloween. They hand out candy to kids and party with their friends. One of those friends decides to tell a story.......
Profile Image for Sarah Stein.
Author 55 books518 followers
November 16, 2018
This is another one of this author’s amazing works. If you’re into horror stories with gore, then this story is for you. The entire time listening to Melissa’s story, I kept wondering who the entity was in, and was surprised at the end. This author definitely used his imagination when it came to torture. I sort of felt bad for Jason though. It was as though no one believed that he wasn’t possessed. But isn’t that what they make them think? Looking forward to reading more of his works.
Profile Image for Aim Ruivivar.
38 reviews11 followers
October 2, 2018
s is for slasher

I found S.j. Hermann’s writing style of Trepidity subtle at the beginning. It steadily progressed to a busy kind of story-telling towards the middle and end parts which I liked. His depictions of the story events were vivid which made me gulped every thrice in a while. It had that right amount of mystery and reveal which was a horrific ho-hum moment for me. At the start, he described things about the kind of goofy things people do on the occasion of Halloween which can be a source of both eagerness and reluctance for me, knowing that fun is synonymous with expenses and kinky misdemeanors most of the time. The author is definitely gifted with a gory imagination which was all translated in the series of events that he depicted happening that night. It made me think for a moment, if the S to the writer’s name stands for slasher. So if you are a fan of horror, I would definitely recommend this book. But if you’re not, well you can always read it during daytime.

Profile Image for Falguni Jain.
Author 6 books19 followers
October 20, 2018
A group of friends are gathered at one house to celebrate Halloween. What can go wrong you ask? Everything.


This story has a halloween theme. It is spooky, messed up, dark and unpredictable. What else do you ask for in a good horror story? Plus it is short and crisp.


I read this book last night and I was so scared that I even nightmares.


It is a really short and interesting story to keep up your festive spirits. I would definitely recommend this for short distance travel.
Profile Image for P.S. Winn.
Author 104 books365 followers
October 28, 2018
T.his is a well written, but gritty short story. Hold on to someone's hand and leave on the lights. I think many will give this a five star review, but it does have some rough language some may not like. That said, I still think the author has done a great job with a scary read that is great for a Halloween night scare.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
2,121 reviews80 followers
August 10, 2019
*WARNING* contains graphic violence
Don't be deceived by the sweet beginning, the typical teenage drama or the teenage make out session. This short, little story turns bloody and graphic quickly. The ending was so simple that I would not have guessed it. The writing us vividly descriptive and disgusting. Any horror fan would love it!
Profile Image for Joy Boutwell.
1,614 reviews16 followers
October 29, 2018
This is a creepy short story just in time for Halloween. The story is like taking a part out of Nightmare on Elm street or Friday the 13th, it has the same awesome gruesome details and it keeps you wondering until the end.
Profile Image for Cindy Smith.
Author 11 books200 followers
October 23, 2019
Well written short horror. Slasher films was not something I ever really cared to watch. This story is in that field. However, I did enjoy reading it. I must admit the ending was not what I expected at all.
Profile Image for Veronique Poirier.
Author 34 books56 followers
October 2, 2018
Wow, creepy, but loved it! Awesome writing! Definitely recommend this read to horror fans.
Profile Image for A.L. Norton.
Author 33 books120 followers
October 16, 2018
Great read by a terrific author! Perfect for a good Halloween scare!
Profile Image for Shelby W.
523 reviews32 followers
October 4, 2018
Fun story!

This slasher-movie type book kept me guessing, who done it? This horror short is perfect for Halloween. Also, can be read around a campfire at night. Actually, this tale can be read anywhere, but make sure the lights are dimly lit because that is when the fun begins!
Profile Image for Laney Smith.
Author 29 books21 followers
December 2, 2018
In-freaking-believable!

As any fan of SJ Hermann knows, this man is a master at creating some vivid images through his words. Trepidity just may contain the most vivid of the vivid - and they are gruesome! This read presents a flawless recipe for an absolute nightmare!

First, a pinch of Halloween. Next, stir in a friendly get-together. Add a slice of urban legend. Pour in a generous serving of SJ Hermann flare and style. Garnish with a spoonful of darkness. Shake - don’t stir. Let the words simmer as this tale bakes up, rich and gory like an 80’s horror flick - only bloodier!

I wasn’t sure there were any stones left unturned, in terms of slasher stories. Kudos to SJ Hermann for his originality, as well as his dedication to staying true to the genre which inspired this chilling tale. Friday the 13th? Child’s play! Nightmare on Elm Street? That’s Candyland! Want a fresh new spin without sacrificing the integrity of the classic horror stories? Grab Trepidity - and maybe some chainmail clothing, a helmet, and safety goggles - just to be on the safe side!

Well done, Mr. Hermann!

Signed a fellow horror/slasher flick fan!


Author 12 books94 followers
August 2, 2025
This short story had me gasping out loud. The author has creatively conceived a wonderful creepy tale with just the right amount of scare!

A perfect read for fans of horror – and Halloween!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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